Shelf-life of minimally processed table grapes packed in snack-size containers
Minimally processed table grapes have traditionally been used as a component of fruit salads, only recently the possibility to produce single-portion packages has been considered.
The aim of the research was to assess the shelf-life of small size table grape clusters of some of the most popular cultivars in Italy such as 'Vittoria', 'Sugraone', 'Italia', 'Crimson Seedless', 'Red Globe' and 'Black Pearl' packed in polyethylene containers.
After packaging, containers were stored at 4±1°C and physicochemical and microbiological parameters were monitored after 0, 7 and 15 days of storage.
The berry firmness remained satisfactory until the 15th day of storage, especially in seedless cultivars such as 'Sugraone' and 'Crimson seedless'. Change in weight and color were absent for almost all cultivars.
A significant increase of CO2 and decrease of O2 inside the packages were observed during the second week of storage.
As known, CO2 increase plays an important role in preventing the development of mesophilic bacteria.
During the cold storage period, most of the quality parameters remained stable in all the cultivars.
Ascorbic acid and total phenolic compounds content decreased, showing significant differences after 7 days of storage.
Antioxidant activity showed a decline as seen for ascorbic acid and total phenolic compounds content.
The results indicated the possibility of packaging small size clusters of table grape maintaining good quality parameters for a rather long period of storage without excessive reduction of the antioxidant activity of the product.
Nicolosi, E., Ferlito, F., Amenta, M. and Rapisarda, P. (2018). Shelf-life of minimally processed table grapes packed in snack-size containers. Acta Hortic. 1209, 417-424
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1209.61
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1209.61
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1209.61
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1209.61
packaging, quality attributes, phenolics, ORAC, antioxidant activity
English